About the program

Artist in Residence image

Since 2017 the Library has worked with artists in residence on creative projects on and off site. Residencies are developed in consultation with community partners to reflect evolving approaches and priorities.  

2020 - 2023 Artists Program

Reflections

Reflections

If you could sum 2020 up with a dance what would it be? Five dazzling performers and dancers give a reply to “the question of the year” at the water’s edge on Pier 62. Ceremony, ritual, and movement with all its sacredness provide testament to being present to the changing times.

Reflections

Past Artists in Residence

Romson Bustillo

Romson Bustillo

Seattle artist Romson Bustillo was our 2019 Artist in Residence. His project “Proximity Modifier Project IV” used images and printmaking to explore how individuals, communities and organizations like libraries share space together.

Romson Bustillo

yəhaw̓

Yehaw

In the fall of 2018, we partnered with yəhaw̓ (pronunciation: yahowt), an Indigenous-led arts project, to celebrate Indigenous creativity and environmental equity. Our artists in residence included Native Kut, Fox Spears, and Roldy Aguero Ablao.

yəhaw̓

Creative Justice

Creative Justice

In connection with our year-long series about criminal justice in 2017, we collaborated with Creative Justice, an arts-based alternative to incarceration for young people in King County. We co-presented artwork by their Youth Leadership Board in an exhibit called “Someday We’ll All be Free.”

Criminal Justice